Elysium

     In the year 2154, the current wealth gap explodes to an extreme that most didn’t think possible. The extremely wealthy and affluent members of society escape the pollution and over population of our planet for a virtually perfect existence on a space station called Elysium. The rest of the human race is left behind on a dying planet to starve and suffer abuse by a system mechanical operated authority and sub-par living conditions. That all changes when Max (Matt Damon) suffers a life-threatening injury and uses his steely resolve to fight the system and embark on a mission that could balance the scales of justice and welfare once and for all.
    Elysium (Rated R) is a breathtaking and often eerie projection of a future is more possible than most would care to realize. It’s this jarring expansion of the current socioeconomic crisis that makes this film almost too relevant. Many can easily misconstrue the film as a vehicle for political agenda rather than a science fiction drama. This movie is an allegory of immense proportions and a very well-crafted one.
    State-of-the-art special effects and a well driven plot vehicle allow star Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, and Sharlto Copley (District 9) to deliver superb performances that will have you at the edge of your seat and discussing the film with friends for days.
    Like all films, Elysium is not perfect. Jodie Foster’s fake accent is skeptical at best, but she makes up for it with venomous attitude and electric elocution. Some will recognize on-going themes from director’s first major motion picture, District 9 and criticize his single-mindedness. Fortunately, that’s not the case with Elysium. The film is poignant, visceral, and has none of the pacing issues of its predecessor. Fans of director Neill Blomkamp’s District 9 will adore Elysium, others will merely speculate on the film’s minor flaws.

Rating: 4 Stars (Maximum of 5)

The Butler

     In the brief history of the United States of America, many people from several cultures suffered at the hands of racism and ignorance while trying make better lives for themselves and their families. Most famously, the American Black community suffered injustices of a grand scale and endured humiliation of a level that no other race can attest to.
      In Lee Daniels' new film "The Butler" (PG-13) follows the often tragic life of Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker). We watch as he painstakingly works his way from the cotton fields and eventually to The White House where he works as a butler under eight presidents, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam War.
      This film succeeds on multiple levels, but most importantly in its deft transitions between the changes in American Society and its effects on Cecil's family and life. Stunning portrayals of intimate encounters within and outside The White House create on screen tensions on a level I have not seen depicted in a decade of film.
     From John Cusack's Richard Nixon to Jane Fonda's Nancy Reagan, "The Butler" soars with accurate character acting and lethal undertones woven into a complex and meticulous script. Oprah Winfrey shines as Gloria Gaines, the oft withdrawn alcoholic housewife that struggles with her and her husband's demons all whilst raising two boys during one of the most turbulent time periods in American history. It is easy to say that this is one of the first truly great movies of the year so far and will go down as an instant American classic.

Rating: 5 Stars (Maximum of 5)

Skyfall

This post has been written by someone very dear to me. He took the time out of his busy schedule to contribute to this blog. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

     Being based in the UK, I've had the privilege of seeing the latest chapter in the Bond saga,"Skyfall" before its release in the US. As such, EpicD has asked me to share my thoughts on it so here it goes.
Bond films follow a pretty standard blueprint, British national secrets are in danger. Bond goes after the bad guys, gets distracted by some girl, and M. gets him back on track. Finally, he [Bond] saves the day. In many respects, "Skyfall" follows this very pattern, but with some unexpected twists.
     With a running time of 2 hours and 23 minutes, this addition to the 007 series will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The series is somewhat showing its age, as Skyfall is a definite attempt to modernize and bring a new-found sense of relevance to the saga.
     The films formula is simple: MI6 is under attack from multiple angles and 007 (Daniel Craig) must come out of 'retirement' to save it. Bond's loyalty to M. (Judi Dench) is tested as her past, in the form of Silva (Javier Bardem), appears from the shadows to haunt her. Of course there is the girl, Eve (Naomie Harris), to keep 007 healthily distracted.
     Directed by Sam Mendes, the film starts out in unfamiliar territory. Is bond still relevant? Do we still need spies in a post cold war era? 007 and MI6 struggle to prove their relevance in what ends up a very personal conclusion surrounding the Bond we all know and love.
 

Rating: 4 Stars (Maximum 5) - Action, wit, and secrecy of a bygone era clash with the modern world resulting in an epic addition to the Bond franchise.

Looper

     In my triumphant return to writing, I am briefly discussing sci-fi/action film Looper. Since February, I have been vexed by the vicarious vicissitudes of fate. Now that things have calmed down, I will resume doing what I love most...watching and critiquing movies. Without further adieu, here is a brief synopsis of Film District's Looper.
     Fate, providence, predestination, consequence, future, and death are all themes in Looper, a time traveling action epic starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, and Emily Blunt. Looper, takes place in the not so distant year of 2074. It is a society where one can work as an assassin for mob syndicates that send victims 30 years back in time for execution. These "assassins" are known as loopers. Loopers lead a relatively easy life as long as they kill each mark put in front of them. The job continues until they assassinate their future selves. Upon completion of this inevitable task, the "loop" is closed. Effectively closing all loose ends that tie these assasins to their emloyers. This is where the problem begins...
     Looper begins with a brief glimpse into the life and addictions of Joe (Gordon-Levitt), a looper whose future will bring drastic changes to his present. Once this change occurs, we are violently introduced to future Joe (Bruce Willis). A man with his own set of memories and life history that are about to be disrupted by the consequences of time travel. From this point forward the film takes a jarring turn towards rapid story progression, time-paradoxes, and stylized action of the likes we have not seen since Die Hard With A Vengeance. As a bonus, Sara (Blunt) provides an interesting turn of events that will undoubtedly lead to many conversations with friends on the laws of astrophysics, time travel, and evolution.
     What happens when your future and past intersect? What happens to the past that you remembered before the time/space continuum was corrupted? How do you alter the future without knowing that your actions are the cause of the problem you are trying to solve? These questions are just a few of the conversation starters that will make this movie a must-see-event for years to come. All in all, Looper provides a gripping tale of the consequences of a person's actions and delivers it on a special effects driven platter ensconced in breathtaking brutality that we have not in any film this year. A superb effort from director and writer Rian Johnson, a film that should not be missed.

Rating: 5 Stars (Maximum of 5) - Brutality, science, and masterful storytelling combine in Looper, the best action film of 2012.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

     For the past several years we as movie-goers have been subjected to an alarming number of adaptations. Whether it has been from a graphic novel, manga, children's book, or other literary work; it seems as if there are no longer any original thoughts in Hollywood. Especially when you think of films that are in fact remakes of a movie that was an adaptation of a play that was an adaptation of something else entirely. Nonetheless, it is happening and will continue to happen. The good news is that occasionally a truly great book to film adaptation is made. Great adaptations go above and beyond to bring the original piece to a vibrant and artful life. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is one of those great film adaptions.
     Directed by Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Hours) Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is an adaptation of a novel with the same title. This film follows a nine-year-old loses his father in the September 11th attacks and his journey to to find the lock to a key that was left behind by his father. Oskar Schell (Thomas Horn) is incredibly close to his father Thomas Schell Jr. (Tom Hanks) and it almost seems as if no one but his dad understands him. Oskar is a jack of all trades; a self-proclaimed amateur inventor, jewelry designer, astrophysicist, tambourine player, and pacifist. The one thing that Oskar isn't is good at is being social. He's petrified of many things and the loss of his father sends him over the edge. A year after his father's death, Oskar embarks on a nearly impossible quest that he hopes will keep him from losing his only friend (his dad).
     The beauty of Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is it's intimate perspective on how a single event can destroy so many lives. The imagery alone is enough to conjure powerful emotions for anyone that remembers or was affected by the attacks on the World Trade Center. There are many messages to be found within this artistic and emotional tale of family, loss, and love. Communication, self-expression, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are all subjects found within this film. Bolstered by a spectacular supporting cast featuring Sandra Bullock, Viola Davis, and Max von Sydrow, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close speaks to all generations and all ages. This is easily the first must-see movie event of the new year. I can only hope that 2012 will continue to deliver adaptations such as this one.

Rating: 5 (Maximum of 5) - Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is an incredibly emotional and poignant tale of a boy and his struggle to save the bond he had with his dead father

War Horse

     Once a year there is a film that will rivet it's audience to their core. A film that can be admired by families around the world. This year that film is War Horse, a Steven Spielberg adaptation of a Tony award-winning play of the same name. War Horse is the story of a boy named Albert and his bond with his horse Joey during World War I.

     Seldom are we graced with a quality film that was adapted from a play, which in turn was adapted from a best selling novel. "War Horse" was originally published by Michael Morpurgo in 1982, the book was adapted as a Broadway play in 2007. War Horse the play went on to storm the American Theater Wing's Tony Awards with five awards and wins. Now when undertaking an adaptation of this magnitude the only person I would trust would be Steven Spielberg. Only the director of Saving Private Ryan and Empire of the Sun could replicate a touching tale of love and hardship during wartime.
      War Horse begins with a young Albert (Jeremy Irvine) witnessing the birth of a foal. It quickly develops as we see the foal progress in age from a handsome colt to a dazzling thoroughbred. At the appropriate age this horse is sold to Albert's family and this is where the story truly begins. Albert soon trains Joey (the horse) to be the family's indentured servant. As the training progresses so does the bond between Albert and Joey. That is until one day Joey is sold to the cavalry to cover debts accumulated by the farm. It is here that Joey stops being a work horse and becomes a war horse.
     What makes War Horse different from any other war film, is that it's heart lies in an animal, not the people fighting the war. This is more about a journey through unfortunate circumstance and survival, than it is about conflicts between rival factions. We watch in awe and sometimes humor as Joey journeys across Europe during World War I. This film is littered with irony and adventure of epic proportions. This is a film that children and families alike can enjoy time and time again. Truly, Steven Spielberg has woven another tale that will live on in the hearts and memories of all who see it.

Rating: 5 (Maximum of 5) - A superb and emotional film that will leave you breathless.

Immortals

     I long for the day that I am graced by the presence of a God-like being. Ever since I was a small boy I imagined that I was chosen by a greater power to do great things. Whether it was Zeus or Professor Charles Xavier, I was certain that I was different from other people. Turns out I was just an extremely melodramatic, overly idealistic loner with many flights of fancy. I adore mythology of all origins. I was originally enthralled by Greek mythology in the fourth grade by my teacher professor Ms. Kamberos at the University of Chicago. She exposed me to a world with a far richer history than that of our own. It is because of her that Greece is my dream destination (specifically Athens and Crete). I take my Greek mythology very seriously and judge the films about it harshly.
     This brings me to my movie critique of the week, Immortals a story of evil King Hyperion's (Mickey Rourke) mad quest for a weapon that can destroy humanity by unleashing the Titans. All that stands in his way is Theseus (Henry Cavill), a mortal man chosen by the Gods to defend humanity. Henry Cavill is perfect as Theseus. Young, agile, beautifully sculpted, and sincere, Cavill's Theseus shines amidst the gritty and baron landscapes. The story propels rapidly and manages not to flounder the story with it's pace. Events unfold with efficiency and ease all while captivating the audience every step of the way. Mickey Rourke is just as ruthless and charming as ever in his role as the mad King Hyperion. A warlord hellbent on bringing the world to his knees and becoming immortal through history.
     Now that I mention history, I must say that while Immortals is fierce and imaginative, but do not expect it to follow traditional Greek mythology. The film avoids giving any background or general information on the Gods or the Titans. Those who are unfamiliar with mythology may feel slightly lost amidst the sea of characters and references that are not explained or properly introduced. Here is a brief rundown of what happened...
     Long ago, before the Gods were fashioned, the Earth was filled with great beings known as the Titans. One Titan known as Kronos had several children by a mortal named Rhea. Kronos eventually ate his children in fear of a prophecy that foretold his undoing by his son. A grief stricken Rhea manages to hide her son Zeus from Kronos so that he may live to maturity. Once of age, Zeus confronts Kronos and forces him to spit up his offspring. With his brothers and sister by his side Zeus leads the Olympians into a battle against the Titan. After a decade, the victorious Olympians drive the remaining Titans into a prison buried beneath Mount Tartarus. The Gods that survived were given titles by their brother Zeus and he was crowned King of the Gods for his might and ingenuity.
    Now while the credits tell us that Helios, Poseidon, Athena, and Aries are the Gods we see in the film, only Athena is addressed by name. I only figured out who Poseidon was due to the fact that I knew that the God of the Sea wielded a trident and could crash into the ocean causing cataclysmic computer generated waves. As for Aries and Helios, well they could have been anyone. The movie focus's more on the mortals and their relationships. Such as Freida Pinto's Phaedra, a virgin oracle that is pursued by King Hyperion for her knowledge. Pinto's Phaedra is beautiful and alluring. She does a decent job playing a virgin with hopes of losing her purity so she will no longer be plagued by her visions.
     Do not misunderstand me, Immortals is a veritable cornucopia of flesh and blood. A solid script, beautiful cast, and jaw dropping special effects make this action fantasy an instant hit. I just believe that when making a film about immortals, you should focus on them. In retrospect instead of calling this film Immortals something like The Legend of Theseus would have been more apropos.

Rating: 3 (Maximum of 5) - A special effects extravaganza that manages to miss the point of it's title.